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Thanks for visiting my vintage Hamilton watch blog. I like to restore US-made Hamilton wrist watches back to their original glory and share my experiences with other enthusiasts. Use the "Search" space below if you know what model you're looking for. Feel free to leave polite comments or questions in the spaces provided. Also check out my "watches for sale" on my Etsy site - the link is on the right, just below.

Monday, August 13, 2012

1948 Langdon (and 1949 Lange)

When Hamilton introduced the first CLD models in 1948, the Langdon was one of them.  The next year Hamilton introduced an identical version in solid gold called the Lange.  Other than the case material, all other details are the same between the two models.


Both models were produced until the next generation of CLD models was introduced in 1953.

The Langdon came powered by the then new 8/0 sized 747 movement with 17 jewels.  The 10K gold filled case also came with either an applied gold numeral and marker dial or a luminous dial with matching hands.  All dials are sterling silver.

Most Langdons wear the most on the domed crystal and sometimes the crown is worn almost smooth.  The rest of the case seems to wear well and nice examples are easy to find.  A new crystal and sometimes crown makes a world of difference.

The case is a two piece design with a front bezel (with crystal) and a main case to hold the movement.  The dial and movement come out through the front so the stem is a two-piece design with a male and female portion.  As such, when the stem is pulled out to set the time the crown can feel a little wobbly if the gasket inside is worn (quite likely).  It usually snugs back up when the crown is pushed back in to wind the watch.



I happened to locate a very nice Langdon dial in black.  It looks exceptionally good with none of the usual tells for being refinished.  I don't know if there ever were black dialed Langdons but I think it definitely looks great in black.


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6 comments:

  1. TadrokApril 7, 2017 at 10:35 PM

    Hello,
    I wanted to compliment you both on your blog site and Etsy store; your knowledge and timepieces are very impressive and I visit both often. Take care.
    AJ

    ReplyDelete
  2. JoshApril 18, 2017 at 8:53 AM

    Hello Dan - do you have any step-by-step examples of getting into a cold case, replacing gaskets?

    Thanks as always for such a great site.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HandyDanApril 18, 2017 at 10:01 AM

      Getting into the case is easy, just slip a pen-knife or case knife into the slit between the bezel and case back and pop the bezel off. The two piece stem can be aligned so you see the joint and the movement lifts out. Getting it back together is the reverse. New gaskets, if you can find them, are seemingly impossible to compress and close the case. It's rare that these watches still have working gaskets.

      Delete
    2. JoshApril 20, 2017 at 9:29 AM

      So do you find that reassembly w/o gaskets leaves wobble in the movement/stem?

      Thanks.

      Delete
    3. HandyDanApril 20, 2017 at 9:55 AM

      No, but having the wrong crown will do that. The two piece stem for a CLD is a loose connection and prone to some wobble during setting. But if you have the wrong crown it can be worse. Most CLDs I've seen - and it's a lot - rarely have case gaskets.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousDecember 29, 2017 at 11:23 PM

    Dan,

    On your site I found the following part number as the replacement crystal for the Langdon: GS-PA318 (25.5mm).

    I'm hoping you will confirm that this is the correct part number.

    I'm also hoping you can tell me where I can buy a crystal gasket and a bezel gasket.

    I love your site! The information is invaluable.

    Sincerely,

    Dall

    ReplyDelete

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